Shutlers and officials got cash for victory

Shutlers and officials got cash for victory

JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian shuttlers and officials who
managed to recapture the Thomas and Uber Cups were awarded
"appreciation money" of Rp 150 million (about US$70,000) by the
Governor of West Java R. Nuriana during their tour in Bandung,
the provincial capital, on Monday.

However, Nuriana, like many other high officials who are fond
of absurd quasi semantic games, insisted on defining the prize as
"appreciation money" instead of a bonus.

"This is not a bonus, because sports in West Java do not
recognize cash bonuses," the governor insisted gamely.

"I'm like a parent who is just giving well-deserved presents
to his high-achieving children," he said with a touch of a cliche
analogy.

Last month, Suryadi, chairman of the Indonesian Badminton
Association (PBSI), who is also the Army's deputy chief of staff,
rewarded each shuttler and official with "compensation money for
efforts" of Rp 25 million.

It is unclear why these officials are reluctant to use the
word "bonus."

Aside from the so-called "appreciation money", the shutlers
and officials also received souvenirs and award certificates from
the West Java municipal authority.

Prior to the ceremony at the governor's residence, the
victorious teams received thousands of fans on their tour of the
streets of Bandung.

The teams were scheduled to return to Jakarta yesterday before
heading to Sulawesi where the victory tour continues. (hdj)